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First We Read, Then We Write: Emerson On The Creative Process (2009)

by Robert D. Richardson(Favorite Author)

3.94 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1587297930 (ISBN13: 9781587297939)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

University Of Iowa Press

review 1: Don't ask me why this book has escaped my attention for so long, seeing how much I love Ralph Waldo Emerson's work. While I already knew him as a wonderful poet, I admittedly haven't been all that familiar with his person and life.In First We Read, Then We Write: Emerson On The Creative Process Robert D. Richardson presents a marvelous and engaging little manual digging deep into the central passion of Emerson's life, who was literally in love and addicted to books. Mainly focusing on the important interconnection of reading and writing, it also thematizes the need to reflect on nature for language, the recommendation of keeping a journal or earning the attention of the audience. The reader gains not only an understanding of what fueled Emerson's creative process, but will... more learn a lot for own literary endeavors. This sophisticated and wonderfully engrossing book is filled with practical hints and speaks to the poet in each of us.I recommend reading this book along with Emerson's The Poet which is one of the most significant works on expressionism in literature. Best enjoyed on a quiet afternoon with no distractions around, this is the kind of book you will want to dip in more than just once and it will reward you with new and deeper insights every time.In short: A delightful little book on my own two passions - reading and writing - this is definitely a must-read for every author!
review 2: A slim volume, this book is both a look into Emerson’s writing as well as a tool for aspiring writers. There are many books out there that covering the art of writing and this one offers nothing in that regard. However, for writers that enjoy Emerson, this book would be a good gift. It attempts to help the author emulate Emerson’s style which allows for little freedom in the reader’s own writing. While that may perhaps be what the reader wants, I found that I often felt like I was being preached to and that I was being told “this is the only way to write”. Of course, that’s not the case as there are as many ways to write as there are books in the world. The Emerson quotes were wonderful, though, and at times the author’s analysis of them was helpful to inspire creative thought. Again, while some writers may find tidbits of help in this book, I think a reader needs to be both an Emerson fan AND an aspiring writer to get the most out of this book. less

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